Magnetic remote-retrieval device

ABSTRACT

A device ( 20 ) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object ( 22 ) from a remote area is provided. The device ( 20 ) contains a retractable tape measure ( 24 ) and a magnetic gripping head ( 26 ). The tape measure ( 24 ) has a blade ( 30 ) with a first end ( 64 ), an opposing second end ( 66 ), a longitudinal axis ( 68 ) extending between the first and second ends ( 64,66 ), and a zero hook ( 32 ) coupled to the first end ( 64 ). The gripping head ( 26 ) has a housing with a gripping opening ( 40 ) in a face ( 42 ) thereof and a coupling opening ( 62 ) in another face ( 70 ) thereof. The gripping head ( 26 ) also has a magnet ( 38 ) within the housing ( 34 ). The housing ( 34 ) and magnet ( 38 ) are configured so that a portion of the magnet ( 38 ) protrudes through the gripping opening ( 40 ) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object ( 22 ) during retrieval. The zero hook ( 32 ) of the tape measure ( 24 ) is removably fastened to the gripping head ( 26 ) through the coupling opening ( 62 ) in the housing ( 34 ) to effect retrieval of the ferromagnetic object ( 22 ).

RELATED INVENTION

The present invention is a continuation of “Magnetic Remote-RetrievalDevice,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/324,378, filed Jun. 2,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,983, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of remote-retrieval devices.More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for theremote retrieval of ferromagnetic objects by magnetic attraction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When working, it is often the case that a part or tool will be dropped.Such a dropped object will often come to rest in an area not readilyaccessible without difficulty or excessive effort. For example, whilecutting and forming a vent flashing during the construction of a roof,the worker may drop the flashing (or the cutters) off the roof. Theworker would then be obliged to climb down to retrieve the droppedobject, then climb back up to the roof to continue the work. This actionrepresents a radical interruption of the work in progress.

What is needed, therefore, is a tool for the retrieval of a droppedobject without necessitating radical interruption of the work inprogress.

Conventional magnetic remote-retrieval devices are known to thoseskilled in the prior art. However, such conventional devices suffer fromtwo primary drawbacks, insufficient reach and insufficient magnetstrength. Devices with a reasonable reach, i.e., with extensible membersof a reasonable length, are awkward to carry. That is, such devices fitconveniently into neither a pocket nor an apron, and occupy aninordinate amount of space in a toolbox. As a result, such devices arerarely carried, hence not present when an object is dropped. Having tofetch the device is itself a radical interruption of the work inprogress. Such devices are useful, therefore, only when an object isdropped into an otherwise inaccessible location, such as inside a wall.

For those devices designed to fit conveniently into a toolbox, thedimensions of the extensible member are such that only a short reach,typically under three feet, is feasible. Also, the scale of dimensionsnecessitates the use of a small, hence relatively weak, magnet. Suchdevices are only useful for small objects (nuts, bolts, etc.) droppedinto relatively close otherwise inaccessible areas, such as inside ahalf wall or into a close corner.

What is needed, therefore, is a tool for the retrieval of an object ofreasonable mass over a considerable distance, often greater than tenfeet, without necessitating radical interruption of the work inprogress.

It is only when the retrieval distance is small, e.g., a few feet downinside a wall, that retrieval may be accomplished through a typicalprior-art magnetic or mechanical retrieval wand. Even this, however,requires that the wand be at hand. Such wands are typically of the“pencil” variety when not extended. In theory, a pencil-type devicewould be easily carried in a pocket or apron. In practice, however,spaces for pencils and other thin clip-on devices are at a premium. Theresult is that the worker would typically carry such a device in atoolbox, not a pocket. This necessitates that the worker fetches thedevice from the toolbox, often not proximate the worksite, to effect theretrieval.

What is needed, therefore, is a tool for the retrieval of a droppedobject, wherein the device is of a small enough size to be carriedwithout becoming a burden or annoyance to the worker, without displacinganother tool, and possessing an extensive reach and a reasonable liftingcapacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a magneticremote-retrieval device is provided.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a device isprovided that incorporates an easily carried magnetic gripping head forattachment to a retractable measuring tape.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a method ofremotely retrieving an object is provided.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin one form by a device for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object froma remote area by magnetic attraction. The device incorporates a housinghaving a plurality of faces, having a first opening in a first one ofthose faces, and having a second opening in a second one of those faces,and a magnet contained within the housing.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin another form by a method for the remote retrieval of an object havinga ferromagnetic portion by a magnetic remote-retrieval device having amagnetic gripping head and a retractable tape measure. The methodincludes the operations of fastening the magnetic gripping head to thetape measure, extending a blade of the tape measure to cause themagnetic gripping head to approach the object, capturing the object withthe magnetic gripping head, retracting the blade of the tape measure,and retrieving the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a side view depicting a magnetic remote-retrieval devicecoupled to a ferromagnetic object in a longitudinal position inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view depicting a magnetic remote-retrieval devicecoupled to a ferromagnetic object in a transverse position in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric view depicting a magnetic grippinghead for a magnetic remote-retrieval device in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view depicting the magnetic coupling between amagnet from a magnetic gripping head of a magnetic remote-retrievaldevice and a portion of a ferromagnetic object in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway side view depicting the insertion of a fasteningmember tab into a space in a magnetic gripping head for a longitudinaloperating direction of a magnetic remote-retrieval device in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway side view depicting the insertion of a fasteningmember tab into a space in a magnetic gripping head for a transverseoperating direction of a magnetic remote-retrieval device in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a rear isometric view depicting a coupling opening andrelated spaces of a magnetic gripping head of a magneticremote-retrieval device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show side views depicting a magnetic remote-retrievaldevice 20 coupled to a ferromagnetic object 22 in a longitudinalposition (FIG. 1) and a transverse position (FIG. 2) in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention. The followingdiscussion refers to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Magnetic remote-retrieval device 20 is made up of an extension apparatus24 coupled to a magnetic gripping head 26. In the preferred embodimentsdepicted in the Figures, extension apparatus 24 is a retractable steeltape measure 24 of the type used by those in the construction andservice industries. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that anextension apparatus 24 other than a tape measure may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention. However, a tapemeasure is a preferred extension apparatus 24 in that it is a normallycarried tool for most individuals involved in construction and/orservice, thus eliminating the need to carry a dedicated extensionapparatus 24.

Extension apparatus 24 has a body 28 containing an extension member 30that terminates in a fastening member 32. In this discussion, the use ofa retractable steel tape measure is assumed for extension apparatus 24.Therefore, extension apparatus 24 is hereinafter tape measure 24, body28 is case 28, extension member 30 is blade 30, and fastening member 32is zero hook 32.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric view depicting gripping head 26 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thefollowing discussion refers to FIGS. 1 through 3.

Gripping head 26 is configured to be easily carried in a pocket, in atoolbox, or on a toolbelt, making it readily available for use with tapemeasure 24. Tape measure 24 is assumed to be already present as a partof an individual's normal compliment of tools.

Tape measure 24 is coupled to gripping head 26. In the preferredembodiments depicted in the Figures, gripping head 26 is made up of ahousing 34 having a plurality of faces 36. As depicted, housing 34 is inthe form of an orthogonal parallelepiped having six faces 36, but thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that many other forms may be used forhousing 34, including irregular forms (e.g., forms shaped asmanufacturer's logos or for promotional purposes), and forms having sucha multiplicity of faces 36 as to appear curved or even spherical.

Housing 34 contains a magnet 38. Magnet 38 is configured to protrudethrough a gripping opening 40 in a gripping face 42. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 3, gripping opening 40 also serves as the openingthrough which magnet 38 is inserted into housing 34 during the assemblyof gripping head 26. This is not a requirement of the present invention,however, and other means of placing magnet 38 inside of housing 34 maybe used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

A retainer 44 is used to retain magnet 38 within housing 34. In thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 3, retainer 44 is depicted as an “I”-shapedclip attached to housing 34 so as to become a part of gripping face 42.Retainer 44 divides gripping opening 40 into two correlated grippingopenings 40 in gripping face 42. Those skilled in the art willappreciate, however, that any of a multitude of other retainers 44 maybe used, and that the use of a given retainer does not depart from thespirit of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view depicting the magnetic coupling betweenmagnet 38 and a portion of object 22 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 4omits housing 34. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1 through 4.

Magnet 38 protrudes through gripping opening(s) 40 to contact object 22.Ferromagnetic object 22 is the object to be retrieved, at leasta-portion 46 of which is ferromagnetic, i.e.,.capable of being attractedby a conventional magnet. Magnet 38 is configured so that an attractiveforce (not shown) of magnet 38 is concentrated in an operating direction48 perpendicular to gripping face 42. In the preferred embodiments,magnet 38 is made up of a magnetic core 50, typically of alnico orceramic, sandwiched between a pair of pole pieces 52. As demonstrated inFIG. 4, pole pieces 52 serve to concentrate the lines of magnetic flux54 of core 50 so as to produce the attractive force proximate andperpendicular to gripping face 42. Once pole pieces 52 contactferromagnetic portion 46 of object 22, the lines of flux 54 complete amagnetic circuit 56, causing magnet 38 to establish and maintain astrong grip upon object 22.

Object 22, as used in this discussion, refers to an object to beretrieved from a remote or partially inaccessible location by device 20.Object 22 has at least a portion thereof made up of a ferromagneticsubstance, i.e., a substance capable of being attracted by a magnet,e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt, or some alloy thereof. Object 22 need not becompletely ferromagnetic. For example, a screwdriver with a plastichandle and a steel blade might be object 22, as might be other tools,fasteners, etc., made of or containing parts made of a ferromagneticsubstance.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show cutaway side views depicting the insertion of a tab58 of zero hook 32 into a space 60 in gripping head 26 through acoupling opening 62 of housing 34 for a longitudinal operating direction48′ (FIG. 5) and a transverse operating direction 48″ (FIG. 6) of device20, and FIG. 7 shows a rear isometric view depicting coupling opening 62and spaces 60, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Zero hook 32 is affixed to a first end 64 of blade 30. A second end 66of blade 30 occurs where blade 30 enters case 28. That is, blade 30 is,for the purposes of this discussion, that portion of the physical bladeof tape measure 24 that is extended beyond case 28. A longitudinal axis68 of blade 30 extends between and beyond first blade end 64 and secondblade end 66.

Tape measure 24 is coupled to gripping head 26 by the insertion of tab58 of zero hook 32 through coupling opening 62 and into tab insertionspace 60 within housing 34. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and5, gripping head 26 couples to tape measure 24 so that operatingdirection 48 of the attractive force (not shown) is a longitudinaloperating direction 48′, i.e., is substantially parallel to longitudinalaxis 68. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 6, gripping head 26couples to tape measure 24 so that operating direction 48 is atransverse operating direction 48″, i.e., is substantially perpendicularto longitudinal axis 68. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatother operating directions 48 are possible, and that the use of one ofthese other operating directions 48 does not depart from the spirit ofthe present invention.

For longitudinal operating direction 48′ (FIGS. 1 and 5), couplingopening 62 is located in a coupling face 70 of housing 34 substantiallyopposite gripping face 42. Space 60 is located between magnet 38 and aninner surface 72 of a wall 74 of housing 34 whose outer surface 76 iscoupling face 70. Tab 58 is inserted through coupling opening 62 andinto space 60. Magnetic attraction from magnet 38 retains tab 58 inspace 60.

Additionally, housing 34 and magnet 38 may be configured so that across-sectional dimension 78 of space 60 is substantially equal to across-sectional dimension 80 of tab 58. That is, the “thickness” ofspace 60 is substantially equal to the thickness of tab 58. By makingdimensions 78 and 80 substantially equal, tab 58 is also retained withinspace 60 by friction.

For transverse operating direction 48″ (FIGS. 2 and 6), coupling opening62 is located in a coupling face 70 of housing 34 substantiallyperpendicular to gripping face 42. Space 60 is located between magnet 38and inner surface 72 of wall 74 of coupling face 70. Tab 58 is insertedthrough coupling opening 62 and into space 60. Magnetic attractionand/or friction retain tab 58 in space 60.

As depicted in FIG. 7, coupling opening 62 may involve two faces 36 ofhousing 34. In this embodiment, a second face 36 substantially oppositegripping face 42 is a longitudinal coupling face 70′ while an adjacentthird face 60 substantially perpendicular to gripping face 42 is atransverse coupling face 70″. To couple gripping head 26 in longitudinaloperating direction 48′, tab 58 is passed through coupling opening 62and inserted into space 60 between inner surface 72 of wall 74 oflongitudinal coupling face 70′. To couple gripping head 26 in transverseoperating direction 48″, tab 58 is passed through coupling opening 62and inserted into space 60 between inner surface 72 of wall 74 oftransverse coupling face 70″.

Blade 30 typically has a transverse curve (not shown). This transversecurve serves to stiffen blade 30 in normal use (i.e., as a tapemeasure). To more fully engage tab 58 of zero hook 32 into space 60, itis desirable that an edge 82 of coupling opening 62 have a concave curve84 to accept the curve of blade 30. Curve 84 also serves to keep zerohook 32 centered. This in turn helps to keep zero hook 32 fully engagedinto space 60 while fishing for, capturing, and retrieving the droppedobject. If gripping head 26 is produced for use with a specific tapemeasure 24, i.e., when produced by a single manufacturer and/or sold asa complementary set (e.g., when bubble-packed together), then concavecurve 84 of coupling opening 62 should desirably be substantiallyidentical to the curve of blade 30.

If, in the course of a normal task, an individual were to drop object 22into a remote or normally inaccessible area (a hammer falls off a roofor a special fastener falls inside a wall), the individual may usemagnetic remote-retrieval device 20 to retrieve the dropped object.

To accomplish this retrieval, the individual first fastens gripping head26 to tape measure 24. This is effected by inserting zero hook 32 intocoupling opening 62 in housing 34. Tab 58 is then inserted into space 60between magnet 38 and inner surface 72 of wall 74 of coupling face 70,where it is retained by magnetic attraction and/or friction.

The individual then extends blade 30 to cause gripping head 26 toapproach object 22, e.g., down over the edge of the roof or down insidethe wall.

The individual then captures object 22 with gripping head 26. This maybe accomplished by maneuvering blade 30 to place gripping head 26adjacent object 22, contacting object 22 with gripping head 26 so as toestablish a magnetic bond between ferromagnetic portion 46 of object 22and magnet 38, and suspending and lifting object 22 by device 20 (i.e.,by gripping head 26 and blade 30).

The individual then retracts blade 30, bringing object 22 within reach,and retrieves object 22. The individual may then disconnect grippinghead 26 from tape measure 24 and proceed with his/her interrupted task.

In summary, the present invention teaches a magnetic remote-retrievaldevice 20 made up of a magnetic gripping head 26 and a retractable tapemeasure 24. Magnetic gripping head is configured to be easily carriedand instantly available for use with tape measure 24, which is alreadypresent as a part of an individual's normal compliment of tools. Throughthe use of device 20, an individual may readily and easily retrieve adropped object 22, at least a portion 46 of which is ferromagnetic, witha minimal interruption of the task in process.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic remote-retrieval device configured toeffect the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object from a remote area bymagnetic attraction, said magnetic remote-retrieval device comprising: aretractable tape measure comprising: a blade; and a zero hook affixed toan end of said blade; and a magnetic gripping head comprising: a housinghaving a first opening and a second opening, wherein said magneticgripping head is removably fastened to said zero hook through saidsecond opening during said retrieval; and a magnet having a magneticcore contained within said housing and having a plurality of pole piecesin contact with said magnetic core, wherein portions of said pole piecesprotrude through said first opening to effect magnetic engagement withsaid ferromagnetic object during said retrieval.
 2. A magneticremote-retrieval device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housingcomprises a retainer configured to retain said magnetic core within saidhousing.
 3. A magnetic remote-retrieval device as claimed in claim 1wherein said blade of said retractable tape measure has a first end, asecond end opposing said first end, and a longitudinal axis extendingbetween said first end and said second end, and said zero hook isaffixed to said first end of said blade, and wherein said magneticgripping head is configured to couple to said zero hook.
 4. A magneticremote-retrieval device as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said firstopening is in a face of said housing; said housing is configured so thatsaid magnet exerts an attractive force upon said ferromagnetic object inan operating direction which is substantially perpendicular to saidface; and said housing is additionally configured so that said zero hookcouples said blade to said magnetic gripping head so that said operatingdirection is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of saidblade.
 5. A magnetic remote-retrieval device as claimed in claim 3wherein: said first opening is in a face of said housing; said housingis configured so that said magnet exerts an attractive force upon saidferromagnetic object in an operating direction which is substantiallyperpendicular to said face; and said housing is additionally configuredso that said zero hook couples said blade to said magnetic gripping headso that said operating direction is substantially perpendicular to saidlongitudinal axis of said blade.
 6. A magnetic remote-retrieval deviceas claimed in claim 1 wherein: said housing is configured so that aspace is formed between said magnet and an inside wall of said housingproximate said second opening; said retractable tape measure is coupledto said magnetic gripping head by insertion of a tab of said zero hookinto said second opening of said housing so as to occupy said space; andsaid housing and said magnet are configured so that said tab is retainedwithin said space by magnetic attraction.
 7. A magnetic remote-retrievaldevice as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said space has a cross-sectionaldimension approximately equal to a cross-sectional dimension of saidtab; and said housing and said magnet are configured so that said tab isadditionally retained within said space by friction.
 8. A method for theremote retrieval of an object having a ferromagnetic portion by amagnetic remote-retrieval device having a magnetic gripping head and aretractable tape measure, wherein said magnetic gripping head includes ahousing containing a magnet, wherein said magnet is formed of a magneticcore and a plurality of pole pieces, and wherein said pole pieces are incontact with said magnetic core and at least partially protrude fromsaid housing, said method comprising: fastening said magnetic grippinghead to a zero hook of said tape measure; extending a blade of said tapemeasure to cause said magnetic gripping head to approach proximate saidobject; maneuvering said blade of said tape measure to place saidmagnetic gripping head adjacent said ferromagnetic portion of saidobject; contacting said ferromagnetic portion of said object with saidprotruding pole pieces; completing a magnetic circuit between saidobject and said magnet through said pole pieces; lifting said object bysaid magnetic gripping head and said blade of said tape measure so as tosuspend said object from said device; retracting said blade of said tapemeasure; and retrieving said object.
 9. An object-retrieval method asclaimed in claim 8 wherein said magnetic gripping head includes a magnetheld at least partially within a housing and said fastening operationcomprises: inserting said zero hook of said tape measure into an openingin said housing; and retaining said zero hook within said opening by oneof magnetic attraction and friction.
 10. An object-retrieval method asclaimed in claim 8 additionally comprising disconnecting, after saidretrieving operation, said magnetic gripping head from said tapemeasure.
 11. A device for the remote magnetic retrieval of an objecthaving a ferromagnetic portion, said device comprising: a retractabletape measure having a blade, a zero hook affixed to an end of saidblade, and a tab upon said zero hook; and a magnetic gripping headhaving a housing and a magnet contained within said housing, whereinsaid magnetic gripping head is removably coupled to said zero hook byfriction and magnetic attraction when said tab is placed in a spacebetween a wall of said housing and said magnet.
 12. A device as claimedin claim 11 wherein said housing has a plurality of openings, andwherein said magnetic gripping head comprises: a magnetic core containedwithin said housing; and a plurality of pole pieces coupled to saidmagnetic core, wherein a portion of at least one of said pole piecesprotrudes from said housing through one of said openings.
 13. A deviceas claimed in claim 12, wherein said gripping head comprises a pair ofsaid pole pieces sandwiching said magnetic core and protruding from saidhousing in a substantially identical direction.
 14. A device as claimedin claim 13 wherein, during retrieval of said object, said pair of saidpole pieces contact said object so as to complete a magnetic circuitthrough said ferromagnetic portion thereof.
 15. A device as claimed inclaim 11 wherein: said housing has a coupling opening and said magnet issubstantially contained within said housing; and said tab of said zerohook engages said magnet through said coupling opening so as to befrictionally and magnetically bound within a space between said magnetand said housing.
 16. A device for the retrieval of a ferromagneticobject from a remote area by magnetic attraction, said devicecomprising: an extension apparatus having an extension member with afirst end, a second end opposing said first end, and a longitudinal axisextending between said first end and said second end, and having afastening member affixed to said first end; and a magnetic gripping headcomprising: a housing having a first opening and a second opening,wherein said extension apparatus is removably fastened to said magneticgripping head by said fastening member; and a magnet having a magneticcore contained within said housing, and having a plurality of polepieces coupled to said magnetic core, wherein a portion of at least oneof said pole pieces protrudes from said housing through said secondopening to effect magnetic engagement with said ferromagnetic object.